Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy

Talk with you doctor about all medications, even over-the-counter drugs, before you take them.

Take all medications as prescribed.

Avoid using a regular or large amount of over-the-counter pain medications.

Check your blood pressure regularly. A normal blood pressure reading should be less than or equal to 120/80. A high blood pressure reading is greater then 140/90.

If you have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugars regularly and take medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Maintain a healthy weight by following a healthy diet and regular exercise program.

Avoid eating foods high in salt, cholesterol and fat.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Treat wounds and infections.

Limit exposure to heavy metal and toxic chemicals.

Limit alcohol intake.

Quit smoking.

Visit your doctor regularly.

Incorporate exercise into your lifestyle.

Renal Function

Renal is a medical term that relates to the kidneys.

A nephrologist is the term for a doctor who cares for your kidneys.

Blood flows into the kidneys through the renal arteries and leaves through the renal veins.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

What can cause a decrease in kidney function?

What medical tests have I had done?

What medicines have I been prescribed? What does each one do? What side effects might I have?

What medicines, vitamins and herbs should I avoid?

Should I be following a special diet?

Should I be exercising? What types of exercise can I do?

How often should I be seeing my nephrologist?

Who can I talk to about the emotions I'm having?

What websites, books and other resources can I use to learn more about my health?

Acute Renal Failure

Acute Renal Failure is a sudden decrease in kidney function. If your kidneys are not seriously damaged, it is often reversible, but it may lead to permanent loss of kidney function.

Causes include:

Dehydration

Physical injury or accident that causes damage to kidney function

Loss of blood

Medications, drugs or poisons

Some intravenous dyes

Chronic Renal Failure

Chronic Renal Failure is a gradual loss of kidney function. This can happen slowly and silently over many years. Because this can often go undetected for many years, it is important to know how to keep your kidneys healthy.

Causes include:

Diabetes

Hypertension

Lupus

Chronic infections, recurring urinary tract infections

Heredity

Glomerulonephritis

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Trauma

Medications, drugs and poisons

Heavy use of pain relievers or alcohol

Warning Signs of Kidney Disease

Early detection of these signs and symptoms is the key:

Sudden onset of high blood pressure

Blood and/or protein in the urine (may appear as bloody or tea-colored urine)